Strengthening Global Connections for Outdoor and Values-Based Education: GeoCamp Iceland at ISEEN

​From 27–29 January 2026, Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir represented GeoCamp Iceland and Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark at the ISEEN Winter Institute in Baltimore, USA. The annual ISEEN (Independent School Experiential Education Network) Winter Institute is a well-established international conference that brings together educators, school leaders, and education innovators from across the United States and Canada, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, outdoor education, and values-driven pedagogy.

This year’s overarching theme, “Justice for People and the Planet through Community Action,” was deeply woven into the programme. Across keynotes, workshops, and collaborative sessions, participants explored how education can actively support social justice, sustainability, and responsible engagement with the natural world. The theme strongly aligns with the values underpinning GeoCamp Iceland’s work: outdoor learning, scientific literacy, sustainability, and education as a driver for positive societal change.

During the conference, Sigrún participated in a wide range of workshops, including a full-day session on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, led by facilitators from Insight Global Education. This intensive workshop focused on practical ways educators can embed the Global Goals into teaching practice, empowering students to understand complex global challenges and see themselves as active contributors to solutions.

Another particularly impactful session focused on outdoor education, where experienced educators shared concrete methods, challenges, and success stories from their own practice. The workshop fostered open dialogue and peer support, highlighting outdoor learning as a powerful tool for strengthening student agency, well-being, and connection to place. These discussions directly resonate with GeoCamp Iceland’s long-standing experience in field-based learning and place-based education.

A key highlight of Sigrún’s participation was her involvement in the conference’s “education camps,” where selected educators were invited to present innovative ideas and projects. As one of only 15 presenters, Sigrún introduced “Ripples of Learning” (Gárur á Reykjanesi), an initiative developed within Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. The project focuses on mapping outdoor learning opportunities around schools across the Reykjanes Peninsula, making it easier for teachers to integrate meaningful outdoor and place-based learning into everyday education.

The presentation was met with strong interest, and the stand was well attended throughout the session. Many educators expressed enthusiasm for the concept, recognising its potential to be adapted to their own local contexts. This response underlined the broader relevance of the work being carried out in Reykjanes and demonstrated how local initiatives can inspire international educational practice.

The conference concluded with a keynote address by Dawn Moore, First Lady of Maryland, who shared insights into the values and priorities guiding her and her husband’s public work. Her message emphasised collaboration, care, and respect for both people and the natural world, echoing the core values that had shaped the conference as a whole. It was a fitting and inspiring close to an event grounded in empathy, responsibility, and hope.

Beyond the formal programme, ISEEN Winter Institute offered valuable opportunities for networking and relationship-building. Sigrún connected with educators and schools actively working at the intersection of education, sustainability, and outdoor learning. These connections strengthen GeoCamp Iceland’s international network and open doors for future collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives.

Sigrún returned from Baltimore with renewed inspiration, a strong sense of community, and a reinforced belief in the power of education to foster understanding, responsibility, and positive change. Her participation at ISEEN highlights the importance of Icelandic voices in international education forums and reinforces GeoCamp Iceland’s role as an active contributor to global conversations on outdoor learning, sustainability, and educational innovation.